Undas 2026: Passenger decline seen in ports across PH – PPA

MANILA, Philippines — Fewer passengers were recorded at ports across the country during this year’s Undas holidays compared to the same period last year due to higher fares and shorter vacation days, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The PPA reported that a total of 1,362,454 passengers passed through ports managed by the agency from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2. This was fewer than the 1,623,836 passengers recorded during the same period last year.

READ: Undas passenger volume decline noted at QC bus terminal

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Of this year’s total, the PPA recorded the highest number of passengers on Oct. 31, Saturday, at 245,718, followed by Oct. 30, Friday, with 222,874 passengers.

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In an interview with DZRH on Monday, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago acknowledged the decline in passenger traffic at ports.

“One of the main reasons our fellow citizens cited for the decline in passenger numbers was the increase in ferry fares,” Santiago said, noting that fares rose by about 10 to 15 percent this year.

He also said fewer passengers were recorded at Batangas Port last Oct. 31, which was projected to be among the top five ports with the most passengers this year.

He noted that the port recorded approximately 7,000 to 8,000 passengers this year, compared to an average of 17,000 to 18,000 daily passengers during peak season.

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As the conflict between the United States and Iran broke out last February, global fuel prices increased drastically. This was due to disruptions to major shipping routes at the Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The strait is considered a crucial chokepoint, as approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through it.

Santiago also pointed to the shorter vacation period during this year’s Undas.

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“We observed that because the break was short, lasting only from Saturday to Monday, many of our fellow citizens may have postponed their trips until the following week, when they could enjoy a five-day holiday from Nov. 14 to 18, coinciding with the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila for the 49th Asean Summits, which will be held mainly at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Santiago said the PPA would also implement the same preparations it had for the Undas for the upcoming long weekend.

As the agency prepares for another surge in passengers, he called on shipping lines to lower their fares to attract more travelers.

Passengers in PITX, NAIA

Meanwhile, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) said a total of 1,686,201 passengers passed through the terminal from Sunday, Oct. 25, to Monday, Nov. 2. This was slightly higher than the 1,433,716 passengers recorded during the same period last year.

READ: Undas 2026: PITX logs over 1.68M passengers

PITX Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Kolyn Calbasa said on Monday that passenger numbers were higher this year than last year, as many passengers chose to commute rather than use their cars due to the oil price hike.

She also noted that many commuters used the Light Rail Transit, which has a train station directly connected to the terminal.

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Meanwhile, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport recorded a total of 1,003,714 passengers, both domestic and international, from October 27 to November 2. This was slightly higher than the 992,762 passengers recorded during the same period last year. /mcm